How work integrated learning sets students up for success

We all know studying is important, but work experience is what really sets you up for success after university.

Employers want graduates who can hit the ground running – and that’s where Work Integrated Learning (WIL) comes in.

At Victoria University, WIL gives you the chance to step into real workplaces, work with real employers and build real confidence – all while you study.

It’s not just about ticking a box for your course requirements. WIL is all about helping you figure out what you’re good at, what you enjoy and where you want to go next in life.

So, what is Work Integrated Learning (WIL)?

WIL is exactly what it sounds like – learning by doing.

Instead of keeping everything within a lecture theatre, WIL lets you apply what you’re studying in real workplaces. You might complete a placement, work on an industry project or take part in a professional program linked to your course.

At VU, WIL is built into many degrees and TAFE courses, so you graduate with:

Hands-on experience
Workplace confidence
Skills employers actually look for
A better idea of what kind of work/career suits you

Why does WIL matter to me?

Not everyone starts uni/TAFE with a clear career plan – and that’s okay! WIL gives you the opportunity to dip your toes into a field you’re interested in, and find out what a potential career could look like.

As Tania Milani, Workplace Learning Manager for the Business School puts it, WIL helps students “graduate career-ready and competitive in the job market”.

“WIL provides students with invaluable real-world experience, helping them build confidence and develop professional skills that extend beyond the classroom”, she explains.

For some students, placements help confirm they’re on the right path. For others, they open the door to new ideas and directions. Either way, WIL helps you build momentum and confidence.

And here at VU, we’re all for giving students the right tools to carve out their own future.

How VU does WIL differently

When you study at VU, you’ve got access to world-class industry placements – including organisations like The Walt Disney Company, the Western Bulldogs Football Club and Industry Capability Network (ICN) Victoria.

VU student Steph studied a Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management and secured a spot in the premium Disney Cultural Exchange Program.

This was an incredible opportunity – Steph got to travel (one of her favourite things) and experience working overseas at Disneyland, Florida.

VU Graduate Steph holding up her Disney name badge at her WIL placement

“I loved meeting new people from all walks of life,” Steph says.

“Experiencing American culture, going to different parks on my days off and watching fireworks every night were just a few of my top highlights!”

Plus, WIL isn’t just about the work experience – it’s also about the people (and industry connections) you meet along the way.

Take it from Tim, the current Strength & Conditioning Coach and Osteopath at the Gisborne Football Netball Club.

VU graduate Tim standing in front of gym equipment

Throughout his Graduate Certificate in Strength & Conditioning, Tim completed shadow shifts in all four Western Bulldogs football programs (AFL, AFLW, VFL and VFLW).

“The real-time exposure gave me deep insight into how elite physical performance teams and programs run – from load and injury management to working across departments with coaches, players, and medical teams,” Tim explains. “It brought context to everything I was learning in the classroom.”

Tim also made plenty of invaluable connections along the way.

“I’ve sustained many of the connections I made during the program,” Tim says. “They’ve absolutely supported my ongoing career development.”

And sometimes, your WIL program can net you a graduate job – potentially even on campus. That's what happened for Sam, who studied a Diploma and Bachelor of Business at VU.

After finishing her WIL program with ICN Victoria at VU's City Tower campus, they offered her a full-time role right after she graduated.

VU Student Samantha Espiritu leaning against a stone bridge

"My internship experience was really positive," Sam explains. "The team was welcoming, kind and supportive from the beginning. I also appreciated how they took the time to ask about my long-term career goals and interests, so they could offer opportunities and tasks that aligned well with my aspirations. Even while I was still studying, the team started training me for the full-time role, which made the transition seamless. Plus, having ICN on campus was incredibly convenient!"

Where will a journey with VU take you?

At VU, you’ll be exposed to a wealth of opportunities and plenty of practical, hands-on learning – whether you’re in uni or TAFE.

We added over 1919 new partnership organisations to our WIL program last year, so you’ll definitely find a workplace that suits your unique talents.

Another perk of being a VU student (or a recent VU grad) is the VU Careers Hub – your one-stop shop for everything to do with career outcomes.

From day one, you'll get everything you need to boost your career, no matter what stage you're at. The VU Careers Hub is your gateway to real opportunities, employer connections and the tools to power your next move.

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